The current Imperial Palace (Kokyo) is home to the Japanese Emperor and his family. It is located on the former site of Edo Castle, which used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and Imperial Residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
The Imperial Palace was destroyed during the Second World War by bombing, but was rebuilt in the same style in 1968.
The palace is generally off-limits to the public, but guided tours of the palace are offered in Japanese, with an English pamphlet and audio guide provided. Tours must be reserved in advance at the Imperial Household Agency. (You can reserve online - see link below)
You can get a good view of the palace near Nijubashi Bridge, which connects across the moat into the inner palace grounds.
The Palace's East Gardens are open to the public throughout the year (Free - closed on Mondays & Fridays.)
The inner palace grounds is open to the public on only two days during each year, the Emperor's birthday (23 December) and at the New Year (2 January), when you can see the members of the Imperial Family, who make several public appearances on a balcony.
Location
10 minutes walk from Tokyo Station
How to Get There
Take Marunouchi exit at Tokyo Station
External link
Application to Visit Imperial Palace
Imperial Household Web Page
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